Top 7 Mountain Passes around Alston Moor

Among the most popular mountain passes in the area is Hartside Pass Ascent from Melmerby, known for its consistent gradient and being one of the best and longest continuous climbs in the UK. Another highly regarded pass is Chapel Fell / Harthope Moss Climb from St John's Chapel, which offers a formidable test with amazing views over Weardale and Teesdale.

The mountain passes around Alston Moor offer spectacular panoramic views. From Hartside Pass, you can see across Cumbria, the Solway Firth, and into southern Scotland, with prominent Lake District peaks visible on clear days. The Hartside Summit Descent also provides nice views. The Cross Fell area, while not a pass itself, offers extensive views across the Eden Valley to the Lake District, the Solway Firth, and even the Cheviots and Southern Uplands of Scotland.

Yes, several passes offer a significant challenge. Hartside Pass Ascent from Melmerby is celebrated as a challenging climb, often described as 'half an alp'. Chapel Fell / Harthope Moss Climb from St John's Chapel is also considered a formidable test. For hikers, the Cross Fell area, the highest point in the Pennines, offers wild, remote, and often challenging terrain, providing deeply rewarding experiences.

Near Killhope Cross, you'll find the Killhope Lead Mining Museum, which offers compelling insights into the region's industrial past with underground tours and preserved equipment. Killhope Cross itself is marked by a Grade-II-listed boundary cross, believed to be of medieval origin. Historically, the engineering of Hartside Pass is linked to John Loudon McAdam, a pioneer in road construction.

The best time to visit is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is more predictable and conditions are ideal for cycling, hiking, and enjoying the panoramic views. Winter can bring challenging conditions, especially at higher elevations like Cross Fell, which is known for its remote character and unique meteorological phenomena like the 'Helm Wind'.

While many passes offer challenging routes, the general area around Alston Moor provides diverse opportunities. For a combination of scenic drive and educational experience, the proximity of Killhope Cross to the Killhope Lead Mining Museum can be a good option for families. For walks, you can explore hiking trails around Alston Moor, which include easy options like the Ashgill Force loop from Garrigill or the Nenthead and its Mines loop.

The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find excellent MTB trails around Alston Moor, including challenging loops like Greg's Hut – Great Dun Fell Track. For runners, there are running trails such as Isaac's Tea Trail. Hiking is also very popular, with options ranging from easy walks to difficult ascents like the Cross Fell and Greg's Hut Bothy loop, which you can find in the hiking guide for Alston Moor.

The region is characterized by its dramatic Pennine landscape. Cross Fell, the highest point in the Pennines, features a cross-shaped dry-stone shelter and is known for its wild, remote terrain and unique periglacial landforms. The headwaters of three major English rivers—the Tyne, Tees, and Wear—are near Cross Fell. Hartside Pass is celebrated for its winding roads and expansive skies, contributing to a profound sense of remoteness.

Yes, the Hartside Summit Descent is highly regarded for its nice views and being steep enough to maintain a good speed without overly sharp bends. Similarly, the Hartside Descent to Alston is described as a long, steady, and amazingly never-ending descent with great views, making the climbing worthwhile.

Visitors frequently praise the 'magnificent' and 'grand' vistas, the exhilarating experience of challenging drives and cycles, and the opportunities for photography. The profound sense of remoteness and expansive skies are often highlighted. For many, the area offers an unparalleled sense of solitude and an appreciation for untouched natural landscapes, with some enthusiasts describing it as a 'bikers nirvana'.

While the passes themselves are often remote, the surrounding towns and villages in Alston Moor offer amenities. For example, after tackling Chapel Fell, you can refuel at Chatterbox Cafe in St John's Chapel or Bowlees Visitor Centre in Teesdale. Alston, the highest market town in England, provides various options for accommodation, pubs, and cafes.

Public transport options to the more remote mountain passes can be limited. While some areas might be accessible by local bus services, reaching the highest points like Cross Fell or the specific starting points for some passes often requires personal transport. It's advisable to check local transport schedules in advance if you plan to rely on public transport.